Florida learns that S.C. has (hoops) talent

THE SC-BALLERS 11th grade team finished third place in the national championship tournament which was played in Florida last month. The franchise’s eighth-grade squad also came home with a third-place finish from the annual event.

On July 16-20, the SC-BALLERS journeyed to Florida to compete in nationals. Both teams came in third place. The 8th grade team finished with an 8-1 record while the 11th grade team finished with a 5-2 mark.As proven, Lee and Kershaw counties --- together --- possess the talent and heart to compete with anyone. They carried themselves greatly as gentlemen and as players to positively represent their counties. Our kids made history by being the first to combine Lee and Kershaw counties and performing so well. I am looking forward to next year. Las Vegas and New York here we come. If I had something to say about this year team it would be, “We went. We saw. We conquered.” The members of the eighth grade team were Jalyn Dubose, Kavon Roberson, Markle Portee, Brandon Stevenson, Donovan Belton, Ronil Patel, Demarcus Smith, Torian Bolden, Jericho Murphy, Ramik McDonald and Mathew Flower. Their coach was Willie Dubose.The 11th grade team was made up of Kendrick Dubose, Chad Thomas, Jalen Toney, Derrick Wilson, Dallas Toney, Michael Rufus, Shyheem Edwards, Tyrone Kelly, Daniel Quattlebaum, Naquan Soloma ,Dashwan Evans and Jonathan Leet. Their coach was Frank ThomasThe SC-BALLERS were founded by three individuals; myself Willie Floyd, Cliff Stevenson and Al Roberson. We then added my classmate and friend, Frank Thomas. Like this song says, “Started from the bottom now we are here.” Our dreams were to take kids and not only let them compete but see that there is more to the world than just what they were seeing in their neighborhoods, expose them to other talent and make them want to get better. Special thanks to Brian Chivers, Jeremy Fowler and Tyreek Roberson, who came and worked with the kids on defense and offense. I want to give special thanks to everyone from both counties that supported our fundraisers and gave donations. Without their help, our kids wouldn’t have been able to make this journey. Thanks to the parents for entrusting me with their kids. Thanks to my administrators for making things run the best they could. And to my parents who were there from day one and saw my dream and made it possible for it to come true, thank you. Thanks to all the local business and organizations that supported us; the McClures, the Dexters, the Williams’, Another Level, Southern Styles and Women on the Move.But a very special thanks to my wife and family that kept me uplifted when there were times I was ready to give up.Thank you all.